What rules prohibit discrimination in real estate sales and financing?
The federal Fair Housing Act is the major legislation prohibiting discrimination in real estate — it provides that there can be no offer to sell, rent, buy, or exchange property that contains any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, or familial status, or an intention to make such preference, limitation or discrimination.
This federal law applies to the sale and rental of housing, residential lots, advertising the sale or rental of housing, real estate financing, the provision of realty services, and the appraisal of real property. It also prohibits the practice of “blockbusting.”
Other federal laws which offer protection include:
- The Civil Rights Act of 1866
- The Civil Rights Act of 1968
- The Americans with Disabilities Act
- The Equal Credit Opportunity Act
State and local laws may also identify additional discriminatory factors are protected classes.
Brokers, lenders, community housing organizations, attorneys and legal clinics can explain such matters in detail.
© Copyright 